r/TheMindIlluminated • u/nik-jay • 15d ago

Using TMI audiobook for peripheral awareness

I have found that listening to TMI audiobook for peripheral awareness while focusing attention on breath at the same time to be effective as a mild form of mediation. It keeps you motivated and serves to teach you the techniques at the same time.

Has anyone else tried this and found this to be effective for a beginner to put the mind in a meditative state?

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u/FormalInterview2530 15d ago

In my opinion, especially in the beginning stages, by listening to the audiobook while also trying to focus awareness on the breath is you asking for sensory overload. Sure, there will be sounds in your environment: use those to keep peripheral awareness, as well as any feelings in the body, changes in the breath, sensations on the skin, etc.

An audiobook, even if it's TMI and with TMI instructions, is just going to force your mind to listen, even if you "force" it into the background. Use the sounds that are already there. This will allow you to be more mindful in every day moments too, rather than adding more to what's there.

As I see it, we're working with things as they are: we aren't adding more sound or more music or more talking. We're only working with our minds and environments as they are. Adding in extra would not aid you in the early stages because of this.

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u/Heimerdingerdonger 14d ago edited 14d ago

It's like listening to tennis lessons while learning tennis at the court. Not sure if it's efficient.